Tech Solutions1

Resources for Consideration

  1. Brain Pop –

This is one of a number of resources that is growing in use that have a number of key components/principles built into its interface that are critical for the need sof those with disabilities and struggling learners. How does this fit within the AT model is the reason I share.

  1. The Case for AT -

This is one of a number of resources that argues for the need for technology solutions but also how the technology has altered the way we are considering and using technology.

  1. SETT Framework -

This is a framework that can be used by a team to better understand the needs of a child and better connect what they need to a technology tool. It is not a technology assessment but instead, it is a framework for consideration.

  1. The Texas AT Center -

This Center has developed a number of modules and the one I have linked to focuses on Consideration. Their process incorporates the SETT and gets folks focused on assessment to ensure the tool is what the student needs.

  1. The WATI -

The tool was developed to better understand what the needs are specific to technology needs. This site features a tool that has been widely used for technology consideration over the years.

  1. FEAT -

The FEAT has five scales and is probably the most if not one of the most thorough instruments available on the market today for technology consideration.

  1. GPAT -

The state of Georgia has been on the forefront of AT Consideration and this resource offers information in this area. Excellent site to get a good understand of what we should be engaged in to better understand the technology needs.

  1. Don Johnston’s Protocol for Accommodations in Reading -

This is a free resource that can be used to better understand ther needs of the reader and the solutions available for the reader as you are trying to better select assistive technology for students with reading challenges.

  1. Practical Guide…

This book was authored by two exceptional AT Specialists in Loudon County Virginia. They offer a fun overview of the AT Team. The one concern I have is that the AT Team will not be able to meet the varied needs of all the students with IEPs that will benefit from the use of Apps. The paradigm is changing. The book is good in offering an understanding of what the current process should look like towards AT Consideration.

Assistive Technology Assessment Resources

  1. Custom Typing -

Provides several online-based assessments of assistive technology use. Helps document usage, including during device trials.

  1. The Communication Matrix -

An assessment instrument created by the Oregon Health $ Sciences University designed for individuals of all ages who function at the earliest stages of communication and who use any form of communication.

-YouTube Video -

  • Here is a link to a video overview of the product.
  1. Assessment Tools for Assistive Technology -

Here is a PDF document with a listing of several assistive technology assessment solutions. On the list are several that have already been mention, but thought this document might still be helpful.

  1. South Carolina Assistive Technology Program -

This link will take you to several commonly used assistive technology assessment tools used in school today. The information might help to give you a better understanding of the processes AT teams use to determine assistive technology needs. The website also offers other regional benefits for families and professionals interested in other AT resources.

  1. Northeast Educational Services Cooperatives -

This link provides an example of a standard checklist for families and professionals considering assistive technology for students with disabilities.

Universal Design for Learning – What We Know

  1. General information on UDL -

Here you can find everything and anything you wanted to know. This includes the research behind it, tutorials to train others, products they have developed to illustrate it in application, and the like.

  1. UDL Tech Toolkit -

Great resource to share with others and to find resources that are UDL-based and a wonderful example of Wikis in action.

  1. UDL IRIS Module -

This is a site that was developed to teach teachers and others about the basics of UDL. It was developed in a manner that helps folks understand the basics of UDL.

Visual Representation – Social Narratives & More

  1. BoardMaker Share -

This is a great site where you can locate and access a host of templates developed and shared by folks from across the country.

  1. Comic Life - plasq.com

A for pay software but it offers users so much with the ability to make comic strips with your own pictures, with anything you find on internet and more. Really easy to use for K-2 and applicable to the needs of 12th graders. Good stuff and free 30 day trial at their website.

  1. Animoto -

Animoto automatically produces beautifully orchestrated, completely unique video pieces from your photos, video clips and music. Fast, free and shockingly easy.

  1. Flip Camera -

Really easy to use and great for video capture, downloading and then easy to edit. Don’t forget the editing with what you have on the PC – Micrsoft Moviemaker.

Academic Considerations – Literacy & More

Below is a list of text-to-speech applications that can be used to assist in access digital text and reading the text for the challenged reader. This assists with vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and more.

  1. ReadPlease - - Free and for the PC.
  1. Natural Reader - - Free as well as for pay options for the PC and Mac.
  1. Wynn –

Another text-to-speech application that actually does more than read the text but offers a number of additional functions for users.

  1. Kurzweil – - Another application that offers text-to-speech but so much more. Will scan digital text and can be used for a variety of other purposes in gaining further access to text.
  1. Text Help - - for pay application that schools are using for text-to-speech purposes.
  1. BookShare -

This is the primary repository of digital books for one to access and use with the text-to-speech applications above. There is also an app for this tool and this is really the tips of the iceberg but very important to consider for those with Print Impairments.

  1. TarHeel Reader -

Is a collection of free, easy-to-read, and accessible books on a wide range of topics. The books may be downloaded as slide shows in PowerPoint, Impress, or Flash format.

  1. Book Builder -

Allows one to have access to books online but also create your own books. The wonderful thing about this free site is that it offers audio, prompts and a variety of other tools to support reading and comprehension.

  1. Audacity -

Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

iBook2 Considerations– Developing Your Own

  1. iBooks Author -

This is a link to iBooks Author, a free application, which allows users access to creating dynamic eBooks for the iPad. According to the video, however, it does not work on PC’s.

-Video - Overview -

-Video - How to use iBooks Author -

-Video - How to use IBooks Author (Comprehensive) -

  1. iBooks -

This a direct link to Apple’s eBook app on the web. However, you can pull it up in your applications link on your device by opening up Applications and doing a search for iBooks.

-Video – Features -

-Video – How To Use -

  1. Apps in Education -

This website gives a comprehensive list of iBook resources. It also includes instructional videos and paid resources for information and iBook creation.

  1. MakeUseOf -

Article gives a brief overview of how to write your first iBook using iBooks Author.

  1. Book Creator by Red Jumper -

This website gives you an overview video at the bottom of the page of this app that allows you to create an iBook directly on the iPad and save it to iBooks. $4.99

  1. iClarified -

This site provides a step-by-step how to transfer ePub books to iPad.

  1. The iPad Guru -

This is another tutorial link that features information on how to import ePub books into the iPad.

  1. TarHeel Reader -

This website allows access to free books on a number of different topics.

  1. TarHeel Reader as an iBook -

The information on the link below provides a step-by-step process on how to create eReaders books using this resource. This would also be a helpful way to be able to turn PowerPoint presentations into eBooks for students.

  1. How to create your own eBook using Microsoft Word and PDF files - Video - - This video shows you how to create an eBook using Microsoft Office and saving it as a PDF to upload. If you follow the same tips you learned from the tutorial on how to create eBooks from TarHeel Reader, you can create your own using this format. This is especially helpful if you are using a PC to create an eBook, instead of a Mac.
  1. Storyist -

Website provides information and video clip on how to turn ePubs into iBooks.

  1. iTeachLounge -

Website provides suggestions for what you can use iBooks and iBooks Author for in the classroom.

  1. How to Use Screen Reader Software and iBooks – Video -

This shows how to activate and deactivate the voice over technology to use with iBooks.

  1. Accessibility – iBooks – Video -

This video shows how to access the accessibility features and instructional supports that iBooks offers.

  1. Mobile Learning for Special Needs -

This link sends you to free ePubs and PDfs that discuss how to make sure that you are considering accessibility when creating ePubs.

  1. Atomic Learning -

Atomic Learning provides web-based software training for more than 100 applications students and educators use everyday.

APP Considerations– iPad & iPod

  1. AAC Apps -

This site offers a blog, comparisons, listings and more on apps for AAC. They do a good job in this area.

  1. AbleLink Technology -

This company has been at the forefront of work on technology-based solutions for students with intellectual disabilities. They are now getting into the app business and so some excellent options.

  1. Cognitopia -

They are a small company but have been at it for several years on developing solutions for students with intellectual disabilities. The reason I offer them as a resource is that they have taken a successful application and turned it into an app. This idea needs to be at the forefront of the app integration as we go forward in the near future.

  1. Apple Volume Purchase -

This is the site where Apple is now making it available for schools to purchase apps on volume. Yes, long time coming!

  1. App management -

This is not the direction I would recommend but this service allows teachers and schools to manage where their students are on an iPad and the desktop. This might be the future for some.

  1. Making a Folder -

Yes, pretty basic stuff but I offer because these are ways to manage what we have not only for us but for our students. That way they know where to look for the apps we are using for studying the states that day.

  1. Tips for Management -

I share this because there are increasingly resources being provided on how to manage all the resources that are out there. A critical component and one that we are not spending enough time on with this presentation.

  1. Spectronics -

Here is a newer app list put out by the folks at Spectronics. The apps are broken down by learning category and lists everything from the device it works for to feedback and comments, costs, etc. for each app listed. It is as active list that is updated.

-App Rubric -

  • Here is an example of a way for parents and/or educators to assess apps for their students. This was located on the Spectronics site.
  1. App List -

Another list for consideration of Apps. They have done the walking for you.

  1. Quixey -

This is an Appp search engine that has organized apps in a number of different ways for consideration and use.

  1. iPad Apptitude -

One of several blogs out there on apps for those with special needs. This is focused on autism but many of the issues transfer to other areas as well.

  1. Assistive Technology Blog -

Includes a variety of issues including ideas on apps. Again, another example of what is out there for our consideration.

  1. Google list of Apps -

Many of us have received lists like this that are great. They offer the specifics that we need on a host of areas.

  1. Fun Educational Apps -

Another great resources that has attempted to get a handle on all the apps relevant to education and share.

  1. OCALI’s Resources -

The Ohio Center on Low Incidence Disabilities has created a number of these cheat sheet or guides for app consideration.

  1. App Miner -

This app does mining for you based on what you are looking for and what you need. This is a favorite of mine via my iPad.

  1. iFig -

This is a STEM based project that offer their own list of Apps specific to this content. They have also included Apps that they believe to be UDL-based. Again, how do we manage these issues?

  1. App Annie -

This is another resource that ranks, offers categorical lists and more for folks trying to identify the right apps for their needs.

  1. IEAR -

Like a number of the ones listed above, this provides some good information for users and education apps. The blog is also helpful so don’t miss this in your consideration.

  1. Apps for Children with Special Needs -

This is my Cadillac. This does some excellent work in identifying apps but also offering some excellent illustrations.

  1. Teachers with Apps -

List of apps created by teachers. The website offers a few suggestions that might be helpful.

  1. i-Itch -

Website promotes apps for students that are viewed as both educational and entertaining. The organization was founded by a special education teacher and an early childhood educator.

  1. SpecialNeeds.com -

Provides a multifaceted resource for parents of children of students with disabilities. This links provides access to over 12 pages of apps the site has reviewed and provided a description for.

  1. Teaching Appz -

This site doesn’t necessarily categorize apps for students with disabilities, but it does provide a good-sized catalog of apps separated out by subject/topic, age range, and devices. It also allows users to upload apps and sites. Be sure to check the archives as well at the bottom of the page.

Sean J. Smith – -